Gunmen opened fire at hotels, a railway station and other sites across the city, killing more than 170 people. Although the authorities have brought the situation under control, Bon Jovi and other acts were quick to cancel travel plans - prompting organisers to call off the sold-out charity gig.

Bollywood stars such as Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan had been scheduled to perform alongside western artists Will.I.Am and Roger Waters at the Andheri sports complex on December 7. The concert was designed to highlight environmental concerns and India's Light a Billion Lives solar energy programme.

Organisers of Live Earth India said in a statement that they were "shocked and saddened" by the attacks.

"We always felt very welcomed and safe as we spent more time on the ground in Mumbai to finalise plans," they wrote.

British artist Amar Dhanjan, who was booked to perform, agreed with the decision to cancel. "It's just not important compared to what's happening there right now," she told BBC 6 Music.

The Live Earth concerts were masterminded by former US president Al Gore and partner Kevin Wall. They have taken place around the world, including gigs in London, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney.